Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar popularly known as Babasaheb, was born 14 April 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. He is known for his inspirational work for Dalit community of India. He was an Indian jurist, politician and social reformer. He was Independent India’s first law minister and was among the main architect in designing Constitution of India.

Childhood

Ambedkar was born into a poor low Mahar caste in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh). He was the son of Ramji Maloji Sakpal, who served in the British Army, and Bhimabai. Being from Mahar Caste, he was treated as untouchables and subjected to socio-economic discrimination.

Ramji Sakpal used his army influence for his children to study at the government school, as they faced resistance owing to their caste. At school, Ambedkar and other untouchable children were segregated and given little attention or assistance by the teachers. They were not allowed to sit inside the class. They were not even allowed to drink water meant for higher caste.

Education

In 1897, he was the only untouchable enrolled at Elphinstone High School. In 1907, he completed his metric level of study. And after that he was admitted to Elphinstone College, affiliated to the University of Bombay. By 1912, he obtained his degree in economics and political science from Bombay University. Later, he earned law degree from Columbia University and various doctorates from London School of Economics. And during his higher studies, all the thesis work on which he worked upon was done on topics related to India. This made in-depth analysis of our country. He is memorized for the work he had done to uplift that time’s untouchable society and setting the benchmark by becoming first person to be enrolled in all these schools and colleges from untouchable group of people.

Career

He was appointed as Military Secretary to the Gaikwad but had to quit within a short time. He worked as a private tutor, as an accountant, and established an investment consulting business, but it failed when his clients learned that he was an untouchable. In 1918 he became Professor of Political Economy in the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. Later he went on to work as a legal professional. And while practicing law in Bombay High Court he tried his best to uplift the status of untouchables. He was the man behind quota reservations for schedule caste in India.

At the End

Ambedkar died in his sleep on 6 December 1956 at his home in Delhi. His death was due to health problems, as he was suffering from diabetes since very long time.

In 1990, after his death, he was awarded with Bharat Ratna Award, which is India’s highest civilian award.